Calm Corner

What is a Calm Corner?

• It is a space usually at the back of the classroom where students (one at a time) can go to have time to calm down

• It is not for punishment

• It provides a safe space to regain composure

• Calm corners are meant to be safe and comforting

• It is for the student to let their emotions settle before they become too big to handle

• Recommended time at calm corner: 10min (or as and when Teacher has ascertained child has regained his/her composure

• Do not force the child to do to the calm corner if he/she does not want to

• Things to be used in a calm corner could include:

o   Colourful visuals to remind the child of positive behaviours

o   Drawing and colouring tools and paper

o   Puzzles (e.g., sudoku, word searches etc)

o   Stress relieving items like squeeze ball

o   Bean bags

o   Sensory bottles

o   Silent Timer

o   Child may use his/her headphones if applicable

• It should not contain over-stimulating items like mobile tablets (e.g., iPads etc)

Benefits of a Calm Corner

• A calm corner may help stop a potential student meltdown

• It allows a student to be aware of his/her own emotions so as to learn how to regulate them

• Calm corners provide a safe space to process emotions

• Students learn to communicate their needs when they ask to go to the calm corner

Calm Corner Rules

• Child requests permission before going to the calm corner

• Duration: maximum 10min (or as and when they have regained their composure)

• Note: Some students may use the calm corner to avoid tasks. If you feel like this is an issue, try putting a sign-in sheet in the calm corner to track the frequency with which students use the corner and identify the students who seem to “overuse: it